Blackstar Hires Ed Watson as Artist Strategy Director
Blackstar, a UK-based music marketing agency representing artists including Nine Inch Nails, Outkast, André 3000, Lenny Kravitz, and Hayley Williams, has appointed Ed Watson as Artist Strategy Director.
Watson will be based in New York, supporting the agency’s expansion within North America.
He previously held positions at BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, and Asian Network, where he contributed to campaigns for Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Dua Lipa.
Watson will collaborate with Blackstar’s New York and Los Angeles teams to establish connections with North American artists, record labels, and management companies.
“I’m really excited to join Blackstar at a time when the connection between artists and audiences has never been more important. Blackstar has built a reputation for thoughtful, fan-led strategy and creative work that genuinely supports artists. Being able to contribute to that, while helping grow the company’s presence in New York, is an exciting opportunity,” Watson stated.
Blackstar Founder Olivia Hobbs commented, “Ed brings a rare mix of strategic thinking, creative instinct, and cultural awareness. His background working closely with artists and teams, combined with his understanding of social platforms and fan communities, makes him a natural fit for how we work. This role strengthens our presence in New York while continuing to build on the relationships and projects we’ve developed across the US market.”
Recent executive changes at other companies include Executive Changes at U2 Management, Spirit Music, and Ticketek.
This expansion in North America Laylo Expands European Operations with New Director Hire demonstrates a similar trend in the industry.
